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WOMEN'S SPORT AND WELLBEING

Interdisciplinary Research Theme

The challenge

There are glaring inequities, inequalities, and inadequacies in women’s sport and wellbeing that require urgent attention. This IDRT will act as a catalyst for interdisciplinary research that addresses these problems across a woman’s lifespan.

Here in the North East women’s sport is on the rise, with three teams in the top two tiers of football, two women’s basketball teams in the top division, and many other elite teams competing at the highest level. Despite this, we know women in sport are not being supported as well as they need to be. Researchers across the faculties at Northumbria are addressing problems associated with the performance, training, psychological, and social support of women in sport, and this IDRT aims to facilitate their work and engagement with key stakeholders at a regional, national, and international level.

Similarly, support for the wellbeing of women in the UK is inadequate. The UK has the largest gender health gap in favour of men in the G20, and the North East has one of the largest gender gaps for years spent in ill health. The work of this IDRT and its members will act to address these issues, aligning with the University’s commitment to play a leading role in the economic and social transformation of the North East.

Our Vision

To address inequalities, inequities, and inadequacies in women’s sport and wellbeing.

Aim

To act as a catalyst for world-leading interdisciplinary research at Northumbria addressing known sex and gender gaps in sports and wellbeing.

Objectives

1. Facilitate researchers from different faculties in generating inter-disciplinary ideas and funding applications.

2. Engage staff members with regional, national, and international stakeholders from relevant industries.

3. Strategically utilise seed funding and Ph.D studentships to accelerate world-leading research at Northumbria.

IDRT Leads

Dr Kevin Thomas

Dr Kirsty Hicks

Dr Paul Ansdell

Contact us

To find out more about what we do, please contact kevin2.thomas@northumbria.ac.uk

Join our IDRT mailing list

To join the Women's Sport and Wellbeing IDRT mailing list, please email rm.research.development@northumbria.ac.uk

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